posted 06-09-2004 02:45 AM               

quote:

---

Richard Truly, a former astronaut and NASA administrator who has headed the National Renewable Energy Laboratory since 1997, said Tuesday he will retire in November.

The lab, owned by the Department of Energy, develops renewable energy and energy-efficient technology.

Truly, 66, was NASA's chief from 1989 to 1992 under President George H. W. Bush. As associate administrator for space flight, he led NASA's investigation of the 1986 explosion of the space shuttle Challenger.

Truly flew on two space shuttle missions, as a pilot in 1981 and commander in 1983. He retired from the Navy as a vice admiral.

Kansas City-based Midwest Research Institute, which manages the lab with Battelle Science & Technology International, will begin a search for a new director.

---